FanPost

Phoenix @ Utah

So I've been watching this game on league pass (which just bumped up my monthly DirecTV bill to over $200.00 a month, but that's for another rant), and It's the first time i've seen Big Al play since he used to play for us. After watching the first half, it became glaringly obvious why the Wolves were so eager to trade Big Al. The national scribes again ridiculed Kahn endlessly for the trade that sent our "most talented player', Big Al, and his $15M albatross of a contract that McFail signed him to, out west. But after seeing Big Al get beaten down the court time and again on a fast break, after watching him jog downcourt while Grant Hill flew by him unobstructed for the slam......Grant Hill???? Didn't he like use a cane at one point?

Seeing Jefferson jog downcourt while others flew by him made me realize why Kahn traded him. We want to become a running team, capable of running with other athletic teams. Big Al clearly is no runner. He didn't look athletic, like the type of player Kahn covets. Despite being in the best shape of his life, he still looks like a slow player jogging while others are sprinting. I don't mean to berate big Al, but I still believe that trading him was a great move, and a great deal for our present AND future. He just doesn't fit our new style of athletic, move the ball, shot blocking, jumping jack style of play.

Meanwhile, back to the game. So, regarding the new techicals for disagreeing or demonstrating, you can definitely see the effect it's had on the game. Instead of watching guys complain or spew profanities ala KG, it's very calm and mellow. Nobody wants to get the technical. Jason Williams got ejected and got 2 techs. That'll cost him about 2 grand. I don't know the criteria, and in fact that's beyond the scope of this discussion. The game definitely flows alot smoother, but you get the sense the game just lost its soul.

• Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court.

• Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled.

• Running directly at an official to complain about a call.

• Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone.